A. Theodore Izmaylov

An independent scholar of sociology, and philosophy of social sciences
with a background in software engineering

Research Interests

scientific reduction, emergence, methodological individualism, social ontology, the epistemology of computer simulations, agent-based modeling, cellular automata

About

I am an interdisciplinary researcher trained in sociology with a professional background in software engineering. My work focuses on the intersection of sociological theory, the philosophy of social science, and computer science. I believe that cross-referencing theories and arguments from these three fields can generate novel insights into fundamental questions, and I strive to realise this approach in my research.

My primary research topics are the individualism–holism debate in the social sciences and, by extension, reduction and emergence in the philosophy of science, with occasional forays into philosophy of mind and other adjacent disciplines. Drawing on analytic philosophy and computational approaches, I employ theories of weak and computational emergence and make use of cellular automata and simulations as philosophical tools to address questions of theory reduction, ontological and epistemological emergence, and methodological individualism.

Having graduated in 2023 as a mature student with an M.A. in Sociology from the University of Manchester, I am transitioning from a professional background in UI/UX and software engineering to interdisciplinary academic research. To brush up on the philosophical, scientific, and mathematical foundations of my work, I am currently studying Physics and Mathematics at The Open University (UK) and Philosophy and Ethics at Harvard Extension School. I am actively writing up my research for conferences and academic publications.

Currently based in Belgrade, Serbia. I am open to academic communication and collaboration.

Contacts

theoizmaylov@gmail.com

a@theodoreizmaylov.com

Conference Talks


What Arguments in the Reduction-Emergence and Individualism-Holism Debates Are ‘Strong’? Towards a Rigorous and Relevant Definition Informed by Computational Complexity

Communicated at “Formal Methods And Science In Philosophy V” Conference. Inter-University Center Dubrovnik, Croatia.

2024, May 16.

Abstract | Conference website | Book of abstracts


Supervenience Does not Work on Many Levels. An Alternative Argument for Fundamental Autonomy of Special Sciences Informed by Computational Complexity

Communicated at The fifth conference of the East European Network for Philosophy of Science, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.

2024, September 10th.

Abstract | Conference website | Program | Book of abstracts

Should We Become Inverse Utility Monsters to Save the Environment? A Utilitarianism-Buddhism Perspective on Vulnerability**

Communicated at The International Conference “Environmental Ethics and Vulnerability in Western and/or Buddhist Philosophy”, Verona, Italy.

2024, October 25th.

Abstract | Conference website | Program


Philosophical Experiments with Conway’s Game of Life: Crosschecking Intuitions About Determinism and Reductionism

Accepted and scheduled for presentation at The 4th European Experimental Philosophy Conference, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland. (Not presented due to health reasons)

2024, 30 May — 2 June.

Abstract | Conference website


In What Sense Is Ontological Reductionism Relevant To The Methodological Individualism-Holism Debate?

Accepted and scheduled for presentation at The Social Ontology 2024 Conference, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA. (Not presented due to visa issues)

2024, July 22-25.

Abstract | Conference website


The Measure for Weak Emergence: Taking Data Compression Algorithms Philosophically Seriously

Accepted and scheduled for presentation at The International Association of Computing and Philosophy IACAP 2024 Conference in Eugene, Oregon, USA. (Not presented due to visa issues)

2024, July 9.

Abstract | Conference website | Program and Book of abstracts


Durkheim on Promoting Identification With Community Through Teaching Sciences for Social Change

Accepted and scheduled for presentation at The North American Society for Social Philosophy 41st International Social Philosophy Conference: Community, Identity, and Belonging. Creighton UniversityOmaha, Nebraska. (Not presented due to visa issues)

2024, July 11.

Abstract | Conference website | Program